The defensive lineman also said his relationship with Dan Morgan played a factor

We’ve heard the same reasons several times from multiple free agents who’ve signed with the Buffalo Bills this offseason.

Add Quinton Jefferson to the list of those who used them.

On a Zoom conference call with the local media on Thursday, the defensive tackle said he chose to sign with the Bills because he wanted to play for a good organization and a solid defense. He also said his relationship with Bills director of player personnel Dan Morgan, who used to be with the Seattle Seahawks, played a factor.

“One of the big reasons was Dan. We had a good relationship in Seattle, and then he came to Buffalo,” said Jefferson, who added he never really came close to re-signing with the Seahawks. “I wanted to play for a good organization. You guys have a great organization. Got a lot of good stuff going on. Definitely a good [defensive] line with a lot of talent and, ah shoot, I figured, ‘why not come join that?’ It’s kind of what I left, so I wanted to join something good, as well, and see how I can contribute. You guys are a playoff-caliber team and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Jefferson entered the league as fifth round pick out of Maryland in 2016. After two years of playing only nine games for the Seahawks, he started 24 games over the last two seasons, collecting 59 total tackles and 7.5 sacks in his four-year career. In Seattle, the 6-foot-4, 291-pounder played both defensive tackle and defensive end in their hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense. In Buffalo, he'll most likely fit in on the interior defensive line, where he says he likes to play the three-technique (the outside shoulder of the offensive guard), especially in pass-rushing situations. He added he also likes to move outside and play defensive end to set the edge in running situations.

Jefferson grew up in Pittsburgh, not far from understanding what the Bills mean to Buffalo and how passionate the fanbase is. After seeing the Bills make the playoffs in two of the last three years, and talking with other players, he's also been ipressed with the organization from afar.

“Great culture and great people who make football fun," he said of the team. "That was one the biggest things I had seen from Buffalo. I just hear other players talking about it. It’s a great place, with a great fanbase, with just good energy and just playing good football and winning, and that’s something that I definitely wanted to be a part of. That’s a big thing.”

Jefferson said he also wanted to find a place that was similar to the way the Seahawks ran their organization, including meetings and other operations, and that Buffalo does, and said he's already seen that in the way head coach Sean McDermott and his staff have conducted virtual meetings during this COVID-19 pandemic. He also said he's been impressed with how hard-working and smart his teammates are.

“A lot of great young coaches and young players who are hungry, that definitely attracted me.”